Friday, March 2, 2018

New Bidders Emerge for Springfield Riverfront Area Renovation ahead of Casino Opening

A sixth bidder for the renovation of Springfield’s Riverfront Park has emerged, Massachusetts news outlet MassLive reported earlier today. Agawam-based company JL Construction has submitted a $2.418-million base bid for the project, the lowest one presented by the Wednesday deadline.

Springfield officials sought bidders for the renovation of the riverfront area of the city ahead of this fall’s opening of MGM Springfield, the state’s first integrated resort with a commercial full-fledged gaming floor.

According to city officials, JL Construction’s bid is within expectations and would allow for the renovation project to begin this spring, as originally intended by the city. Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno has recently been cited saying that a number of projects that are aimed at boosting the city’s riverfront area have been moving forward.

The official has further noted that it is particularly important not only for the region to be revitalized, but also for the city’s North and South Ends, downtown neighborhoods and business, entertainment, and governmental areas to be reconnected.

Details about the Riverfront Park Project

City officials hope that renovation work in Riverfront Park would commence on April 1 and would be completed by October 1, or shortly after the opening of MGM Springfield. The $950-plus-million resort, which is entering the final stages of development no far from Riverfront Park, is set to open doors in September.

The Riverfront Park renovation project was originally announced last year by city officials. The scheme was estimated at around $2.5 million. MGM Springfield will fund the project partially through a $1-million grant. Mayor Sarno and the City Council have also approved a proposal for $1.6 million in city bond funds to be contributed to the renovation project.

Renovation at the park would include earthwork, the addition of a natural grass lawn for various events, a new playground, a new fountain, tree plantings, and concrete walks among others.

Meanwhile, MGM Springfield is gearing up to finally open doors as Massachusetts’ first integrated resort this fall. The property was originally planned to be launched much earlier, but design changes and construction work at the nearby Intestate 91 delayed its opening.

The $960-million property will feature a hotel, a casino with Las Vegas-style gaming options, that is slot machines and table games, including 23 poker tables, a number of food and beverage, retail, and entertainment facilities, including a six-screen movie theater. The resort will occupy more than 2 million square feet and will spread across three blocks in Downtown Springfield once complete.

Casino operator MGM Resorts International has recently begun looking for staff for its newest property. The company has previously promised that its MGM Springfield workforce would be largely represented by people form the city and the region. The resort would employ around 3,000 people, once fully operational.